Dinner

DIY Lamb Kofta Burgers Recipe

Name: DIY Lamb Kofta Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1kg lamb mince; 2 onions, coarsely grated; 1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves and finely chopped or grated; 6 tbsp garam masala; 1 bunch coriander, chopped (optional); 1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve; Pinch of salt; 8 pitta breads; 4 tomatoes, halved and sliced; Half a red cabbage, shredded; 1 red onion, sliced (optional); Small pot plain yogurt

ByHailey Reed November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

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Introduction

These DIY kofta burgers bring flavorful Middle Eastern spices into a fun, homemade lamb burger. Perfect for a casual meal, they’re packed with garam masala and garlic, served with fresh vegetables and yogurt for a deliciously satisfying dish.

A close-up of a pita sandwich on a white marbled surface, showing about three layers inside: the bottom layer has thinly sliced purple cabbage and red onion rings, above that are fresh, bright red tomato slices, and on top is a thick, brown grilled meat patty. A dollop of white sauce with a small amount of orange-red chili sauce is placed on the meat. In the background, there is a blurred pita sandwich and a brown bowl with white sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 kg lamb mince
2 onions, coarsely grated
1 garlic bulb, cloves finely chopped or grated
6 tbsp garam masala
Bunch coriander, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve
8 pitta breads
4 tomatoes, halved and sliced
Half a red cabbage, shredded
1 red onion, sliced (optional)
Small pot plain yogurt
Good pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, grated onions, chopped garlic, garam masala, chopped coriander (if using), chilli sauce, and a good pinch of salt. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until fully combined.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 small burgers. You can freeze them now for up to 1 month or keep them chilled in the fridge for up to one day before cooking.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to its highest setting. Place the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray and grill on the highest shelf for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Cook in batches if needed.
Step 4: Warm the pitta breads and prepare the accompaniments: sliced tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, sliced red onion, and plain yogurt.
Step 5: Serve the kofta burgers on the pittas with the fresh vegetables and a dollop of yogurt. Offer extra chilli sauce for added heat, allowing everyone to build their own flavorful sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the garam masala and chilli sauce quantities.
Add freshly chopped mint alongside coriander for a refreshing twist.
Serve with a side of crunchy pickled vegetables to enhance flavors.
Use beef mince instead of lamb if preferred, though lamb gives the most authentic taste.

Storage

Store any uncooked kofta burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to one month. Cooked burgers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently under a grill or in a pan to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a pita sandwich on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The sandwich has three main layers: the bottom layer has thinly sliced red onions and shredded purple cabbage, creating a mix of dark purple and bright red colors. Above that, there are two slices of fresh red tomato. On top of the tomatoes, there is a thick, browned, grilled meat patty with a rough texture. A dollop of white sauce with a small amount of orange sauce on top is placed on the meat patty. The pita bread is light brown and slightly open, holding all the ingredients inside. In the background, there is a blurred look of more red cabbage and meat patties, and a tan ceramic jar with white sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these kofta burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burgers in advance. They can be frozen for up to one month or kept in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

What can I serve with kofta burgers?

Kofta burgers pair well with fresh sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, sliced onions, and plain yogurt. You can also add pickles or a fresh salad to complement the spices.